UK employers urged to improve mental health transparency

More than one in four UK workers, or 29%, now feel comfortable disclosing poor mental health to employers as a reason for time off, according to Nuffield Health’s 2023 Healthier Nation Index. Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, Nuffield said mental health transparency has increased, with its survey of 8,000 UK workers revealing 35% cited a different reason for time off for poor mental health, down from 39% last year.

“These latest findings suggest a positive shift in how employees are communicating with their workplaces about their emotional wellbeing,” Nuffield said. It said the results indicate stigma remains a barrier for more open discussion about mental health at work and more can be done.

“We want mental health transparency to keep increasing beyond the 4% we have seen within the past year, and openly communicating the options available shows employees that conversations about mental health are both welcomed and expected,” it said.

Lisa Gunn, mental health prevention lead at Nuffield Health, said challenging work environments can impact both physical and mental wellbeing. Nuffield found that 48% of UK workers surveyed said work had negatively impacted their physical or mental health and 59% said they were less productive at work when their mental health was poor.

“As well as the day-to-day worries that come with our personal and working lives, employees have also had to deal with the impact of a global pandemic and now the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. All these stressors combined can significantly affect the mental health of employees, so it’s more important than ever that businesses find ways to create open, transparent, and connected workplace environments,” Gunn said.

“When people feel supported and able to reach out to their employer, this can have a positive impact on their mental health alone and help them better address feelings of worry and anxiety,” she added.

Gunn said employers can play their part by creating more transparent workplaces that prioritise physical and mental wellbeing and recognise signs of anxiety.

UK workplaces are being asked to join the #find5 campaign, which focuses on spending five minutes on personal wellbeing every day to boost physical and mental health. Nuffield said 38% of survey respondents dedicated no time to support their own mental health in the past 12 months.

“Encouraging employees to #find5 throughout the working day could be as simple as promoting regular exercise in morning meetings or creating ideas to be distributed around the office or over email,” Nuffield said. Its survey found that 27% of respondents said exercise lifted their mood and helped to relieve anxiety.

Nuffield said firms should also consider providing access to cognitive behavioural therapy and employee assistance programmes.

“It only takes five minutes to signpost employees towards the support on offer, along with guidance and encouragement on how to access the help available,” Gunn said.

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